Method and system for collecting and displaying aggregate presence information for mobile media players

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to mobile device (FIG.  5 , No  502 ) that obtains presence information for multiple users of other mobile devices (FIG.  5 , No  508 ) and aggregating this information for display by at least one of the users. The aggregated presence information can include the physical (FIG.  5 , No  516 ), virtual and ordinal (FIG.  5 , Nos  512  and  514 ) locations for multiple users of the invention. Each user can opt in to, or out of, displaying at least a portion of the aggregated presence information in real time or over time (FIG.  5 , No  504 ). Also statistics can be provided for analyzing presence information over time.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This utility application is related to a previously filed U.S.Provisional Application, Ser. No. 60/290,592, filed on May 11, 2001, thebenefit of the earlier filing date of which is hereby claimed under 35U.S.C. § 119(e).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to mobile telecommunication devices,and more specifically to providing aggregated presence information witha mobile media player.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Since their introduction, the number of services and features forcellular telephones has steadily increased. At first, these mobiledevices operated on analog wireless networks that enabled voicecommunication and simple paging features. Later, digital wirelessnetworks for cellular telephones were implemented to provide moreadvanced features for voice and data communication, such as encryption,caller identification and short message service (SMS) text messages.More recently, some cellular telephones enable the browsing of web pageson the Internet, tuning to radio stations, playing streamed content, orother on-line services.

The functionality of cellular telephones has continued to increase andincorporate many of the features originally provided for in handheldelectronic devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs).Relatively simple PDA features such as keeping a list of contacts, acalendar, appointments, and the like have been generally integrated intorecent cellular telephone models. However, cellular telephone users havenot been able to readily receive aggregated information regarding thelocation or “presence” of other users in the physical, virtual orordinal sense. Typically, a cellular telephone user had to access aseparate source to determine aggregated location information regardingother users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method for aggregating presenceinformation for multiple users of mobile devices. A presence for eachuser of a mobile device is determined and the presences by location areaggregated together. At least a portion of an aggregated user presenceby location is provided for display on a mobile device.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to enabling a selectivedisplay by location for at least one portion of the aggregated userpresence. Also, a selective display of a statistic by location for atleast one portion of the aggregated user presence can be provided.Additionally, a selective display of a Pal list by location for at leastone portion of the aggregated user presence can be provided.

Yet another aspect of the invention is directed to determining thepresence for each user by including a physical location for each user.Also, the presence for each user can be determined by including avirtual location for each user. For example, the virtual location caninclude a page in a web site, multiple dimensional virtual environmentand interactive media presentation. Additionally, the presence for eachuser can be determined by including an ordinal location for each user.For example, a position in streamed visual content, streamed audiocontent and broadcast content from a radio station and a televisionchannel.

Still another aspect of the invention is directed to enabling at least aportion of the aggregated user presence by location to be displayed on astationary computing device. Also, at least a portion of the aggregateduser presence by location can be displayed in real time or over time.

Yet another aspect of the invention is directed to displaying aggregatedpresence information with a mobile device in substantially the same wayas the method discussed above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram that shows an exemplary systemoverview;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram that illustrates an exemplary systemoverview in which local area networks and a wide area network areinterconnected by routers;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram that shows an exemplary servercomputer;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram that illustrates an exemplary mobiledevice that is operative to play media;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of amobile media player that is operative to provide location informationand receive aggregated location information;

FIG. 6 shows a functional block diagram that generally illustrates oneembodiment of a display for aggregated location information;

FIG. 7 illustrates a functional block diagram for a client presenceapplication for a mobile device;

FIG. 8 shows a functional block diagram for a server presenceapplication;

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart that shows the actions for processingand displaying user locations; and

FIG. 10 shows a flow chart that illustrates the actions for processinguser locations and displaying statistics in accordance with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of theinvention, reference is made to the accompanied drawings, which form apart hereof, and which is shown by way of illustration, specificexemplary embodiments of which the invention may be practiced. Eachembodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled inthe art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Thefollowing detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined onlyby the appended claims.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take themeanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The term “a broadcast spectrum” means any portion orportions of the range of frequencies, channels, or Internet addressesemployed for broadcasting that can be selected for tuning in conjunctionwith the practice of the invention disclosed herein. The term“broadcast” includes but is not limited to commercial and non-commercialradio and television stations, Internet radio and the like. The term“user preference” can include a plurality of elements. For example, auser preference for disco music circa 1980 has at least two elements,i.e., the type of music and the era.

The term “location” or “presence” includes anything on which a positionof a user may be expressed, e.g., the physical, virtual and ordinallocation of the user. The physical location may be determined in manyways, including, but not limited to, manual input from a user, GlobalPositioning System (GPS) information, Assisted GPS and wireless signaltriangulation. The virtual location may be expressed including, but notlimited to, the current page(s) being browsed and positions withinmulti-dimensional virtual environments or interactive multimediapresentations. Also, the ordinal location may be expressed as thelocation within including, but not limited to, user interface displays,and positions within streamed and/or broadcast content, such as song ona radio station or television show on a video channel.

The term “user interface” can include any type of element that isselectable on a mobile device, including, but not limited to,push-button, rocker switch, slider, dial, key, mouse, pointer,touch-sensitive pad, touch sensitive screen, and soft key.

The term “mobile device” or “mobile media player” includes any devicecapable of connecting to a wireless network. Such devices includecellular telephones, smart phones, pagers, radio frequency (RF) devices,infrared (IR) devices, citizen band radios (CBs), integrated devicescombining one or more of the preceding devices, and the like. Mobiledevices may also include other devices that have a wireless interfacesuch as PDAs, handheld computers, personal computers, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,network PCs, wearable computers, and the like.

Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughoutthe views. Additionally, a reference to the singular includes areference to the plural unless otherwise stated or is inconsistent withthe disclosure herein.

The present invention is directed to obtaining presence information formultiple users of mobile devices and aggregating this information fordisplay by at least one of the users. The aggregated presenceinformation can include the physical, virtual and ordinal locations formultiple users of the invention. Each user can opt in to, or out of,displaying at least a portion of the aggregated presence information inreal time or over time. Also, statistics can be provided for analyzingaggregated presence information over time.

Illustrative Operating Environment

With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary system in which the inventionoperates includes wireless mobile devices 400, wireless network 110,gateway 115, wide area network (WAN)/local area network (LAN) 200 andone or more world wide web (WWW) servers 330.

Mobile devices 400 are coupled to wireless network 110 and are describedin more detail in conjunction with FIG. 4. Wireless network 110transports information to and from devices capable of wirelesscommunication, such as mobile devices 400. Wireless network 110 mayinclude both wireless and wired components. For example, wirelessnetwork 110 may include a cellular tower that is linked to a wiredtelephone network. Typically, the cellular tower carries communicationto and from cell phones, pagers, and other wireless devices, and thewired telephone network carries communication to regular phones,long-distance communication links, and the like.

Wireless network 110 is coupled to WAN/LAN through gateway 115. Gateway115 routes information between wireless network 110 and WAN/LAN 200. Forexample, a user using a wireless device may browse the Internet bycalling a certain number or tuning to a particular frequency. Uponreceipt of the number, wireless network 110 is configured to passinformation between the wireless device and gateway 115. Gateway 115 maytranslate requests for web pages from wireless devices to hypertexttransfer protocol (HTTP) messages, which may then be sent to WAN/LAN200. Gateway 115 may then translate responses to such messages into aform compatible with the requesting device. Gateway 115 may alsotransform other messages sent from mobile devices 400 into informationsuitable for WAN/LAN 200, such as e-mail, audio, voice communication,contact databases, calendars, appointments, and the like.

Typically, WAN/LAN 200 transmits information between computing devicesas described in more detail in conjunction with FIG. 2. One example of aWAN is the Internet, which connects millions of computers over a host ofgateways, routers, switches, hubs, and the like. An example of a LAN isa network used to connect computers in a single office. A WAN mayconnect multiple LANs.

WWW servers 330 are coupled to WAN/LAN 200 through communicationmediums. WWW servers 330 provide access to information and services asdescribed in more detail in conjunction with FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 shows another exemplary system in which the invention operates inwhich a number of local area networks (“LANs”) 220 _(a-d) and wide areanetwork (“WAN”) 230 interconnected by routers 210. Routers 210 areintermediary devices on a communications network that expedite messagedelivery. On a single network linking many computers through a mesh ofpossible connections, a router receives transmitted messages andforwards them to their correct destinations over available routes. On aninterconnected set of LANs—including those based on differingarchitectures and protocols—, a router acts as a link between LANs,enabling messages to be sent from one to another. Communication linkswithin LANs typically include twisted wire pair, fiber optics, orcoaxial cable, while communication links between networks may utilizeanalog telephone lines, full or fractional dedicated digital linesincluding T1, T2, T3, and T4, Integrated Services Digital Networks(ISDNs), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs), wireless links, or othercommunications links. Furthermore, computers, such as remote computer240, and other related electronic devices can be remotely connected toeither LANs 220 _(a-d) or WAN 230 via a modem and temporary telephonelink. The number of WANs, LANs, and routers in FIG. 2 may be increasedor decreased without departing from the spirit or scope of thisinvention. As such, it will be appreciated that the Internet itself maybe formed from a vast number of such interconnected networks, computers,and routers and that an embodiment of the invention could be practicedover the Internet without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

The media used to transmit information in communication links asdescribed above illustrates one type of computer-readable media, namelycommunication media. Generally, computer-readable media includes anymedia that can be accessed by a computing device. Computer-readablemedia may include computer storage media, communication media, or anycombination thereof.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,communication media includes wired media such as twisted pair, coaxialcable, fiber optics, wave guides, and other wired media and wirelessmedia such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media.

The Internet has recently seen explosive growth by virtue of its abilityto link computers located throughout the world. As the Internet hasgrown, so has the WWW. Generally, the WWW is the total set ofinterlinked hypertext documents residing on HTTP servers around theworld. Documents on the WWW, called pages or Web pages, are typicallywritten in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) or some other markuplanguage, identified by URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) that specifythe particular machine and pathname by which a file can be accessed, andtransmitted from server to end user using HTTP. Codes, called tags,embedded in an HTML document associate particular words and images inthe document with URLs so that a user can access another file, which mayliterally be halfway around the world, at the press of a key or theclick of a mouse. These files may contain text (in a variety of fontsand styles), graphics images, movie files, media clips, and sounds aswell as Java applets, ActiveX controls, or other embedded softwareprograms that execute when the user activates them. A user visiting aWeb page also may be able to download files from an FTP site and sendmessages to other users via email by using links on the Web page.

A server computer, as described in more detail in conjunction with FIG.3, is a computer connected to the Internet having storage facilities forstoring hypertext documents for a WWW site and running administrativesoftware for handling requests for the stored hypertext documents. Ahypertext document normally includes a number of hyperlinks, i.e.,highlighted portions of text which link the document to anotherhypertext document possibly stored at a WWW site elsewhere on theInternet. Each hyperlink is associated with a URL that provides thelocation of the linked document on a server connected to the Internetand describes the document. Thus, whenever a hypertext document isretrieved from a WWW server, the document is considered to be retrievedfrom the WWW. A WWW server may also include facilities for storing andtransmitting application programs, such as application programs writtenin the JAVA programming language from Sun Microsystems, for execution ona remote computer. Likewise, a WWW server may also include facilitiesfor executing scripts and other application programs on the WWW serveritself.

A user may retrieve hypertext documents from the WWW via a WWW browserapplication program located on a wired or wireless device. A WWWbrowser, such as Netscape's NAVIGATOR® or Microsoft's INTERNETEXPLORER®, is a software application program for providing a graphicaluser interface to the WWW. Upon request from the user via the WWWbrowser, the WWW browser accesses and retrieves the desired hypertextdocument from the appropriate WWW server using the URL for the documentand HTTP. HTTP is a higher-level protocol than TCP/IP and is designedspecifically for the requirements of the WWW. HTTP is used to carryrequests from a browser to a Web server and to transport pages from Webservers back to the requesting browser or client. The WWW browser mayalso retrieve application programs from the WWW server, such as JAVAapplets, for execution on a client computer.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary server computer 300 that includes WWW server330 that is operative to provide a web site. Accordingly, WWW server 330transmits web pages to a browser application program executing onrequesting devices to carry out this process. For instance, WWW server330 may transmit pages and forms for receiving information about a user,such as user preferences, address, telephone number, billinginformation, credit card numbers, and the like. Moreover, WWW server 330may transmit WWW pages to a requesting device that allow a user toparticipate in a WWW site. The transactions may take place over theInternet, WAN/LAN 200, or some other communications network.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that server computer300 may include many more components than those shown in FIG. 3.However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrativeembodiment for practicing the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3,server computer 300 is connected to WAN/LAN 200, or other communicationsnetwork, via network interface unit 310. Those of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that network interface unit 310 includes thenecessary circuitry for connecting server computer 300 to WAN/LAN 200,and is constructed for use with various communication protocolsincluding, but not limited to, the TCP/IP and WAP protocols.

Server computer 300 also includes processing unit 312, video displayadapter 314, and a mass memory, all connected via bus 322. The massmemory generally includes RAM 316, ROM 332, and one or more permanentmass storage devices, such as hard disk drive 328, a tape drive,CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive 326, and/or a floppy disk drive. The mass memorystores operating system 320 for controlling the operation of servercomputer 300. It will be appreciated that this component may comprise ageneral purpose server operating system as is known to those of ordinaryskill in the art, such as UNIX, LINUX™, or Microsoft WINDOWS NT®. Basicinput/output system (“BIOS”) 318 is also provided for controlling thelow-level operation of server computer 300.

The mass memory as described above illustrates another type ofcomputer-readable media, namely computer storage media. Computer storagemedia may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removablemedia implemented in any method or technology for storage ofinformation, such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. Examples of computer storage mediainclude RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed by a computing device.

The mass memory also stores program code and data for providing a website. More specifically, the mass memory stores applications includingWWW server 330, programs 334, and location application 336 (See figuresand related discussion below). WWW server application 330 includescomputer executable instructions which, when executed by server computer300, generate WWW browser displays, including performing the logicdescribed above. Server computer 300 may include other programs,including, but not limited to, a JAVA virtual machine, an SMTP handlerapplication for transmitting and receiving email, an HTTP handlerapplication for receiving and handing HTTP requests, JAVA applets fortransmission to a WWW browser executing on a client computer, and anHTTPS handler application for handling secure connections. The HTTPShandler application may be used for communication with external securityapplications (not shown), to send and receive private information in asecure fashion.

Server computer 300 also includes input/output interface 324 forcommunicating with external devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner,or other input devices not shown in FIG. 3. Likewise, server computer300 may further include additional mass storage facilities such asCD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive 326 and hard disk drive 328. Hard disk drive 328 isutilized by server computer 300 to store, among other things,application programs, databases, and program data used by WWW serverapplication 330. For example, customer databases, product databases,image databases, and relational databases may be stored.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary mobile device 400, according to one embodimentof the invention. Mobile device 400 may be arranged to transmit andreceive data. For instance, mobile device 400 may send and receive SMStext messages from other mobile devices (not shown) and servers (SeeFIG. 3 and related discussion) as well as receiving broadcasts. Forexample, mobile device 400 may receive radio broadcasts or televisionbroadcasts. The data transmissions may take place over the Internet,WAN/LAN 200, or some other communications network.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that mobile device400 may include many more components than those shown in FIG. 4.However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrativeembodiment for practicing the present invention. As shown in the figure,mobile device 400 includes processing unit 412, memory 448, RAM 416, ROM432, operating system 420, application 430, programs 434, data storage436, bios 418, power 426, input/output interface 424, wireless interfaceunit 410, LED 450, tuner(s) 452, audio 454, display 456, keypad 458,infrared input/output 460, and GPS interface 462.

Mobile device 400 may connect to WAN/LAN 200, or other communicationsnetwork, via wireless interface unit 410. Those of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that wireless interface unit 410 includes thenecessary circuitry for connecting mobile device 400 to WAN/LAN 200, andis constructed for use with various communication protocols includingthe TCP/IP protocol. Wireless interface unit 410 may include a radiolayer (not shown) that is arranged to transmit and receive radiofrequency communications. Wireless interface unit 410 connects mobiledevice 400 to external devices, via a communications carrier or serviceprovider.

Mass memory 448 generally includes RAM 416, ROM 432, and one or moredata storage units 436. The mass memory stores operating system 420 forcontrolling the operation of mobile device 400. It will be appreciatedthat this component may comprise a general purpose server operatingsystem as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as aversion of UNIX, LINUX™, or Microsoft WINDOWS®. Basic input/outputsystem (“BIOS”) 418 is also provided for controlling the low-leveloperation of mobile device 400.

The mass memory as described above illustrates another type ofcomputer-readable media, namely computer storage media. Computer storagemedia may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removablemedia implemented in any method or technology for storage ofinformation, such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. Examples of computer storage mediainclude RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed by a computing device.

The mass memory also stores program code and data used within mobiledevice 400. More specifically, the mass memory stores applicationsincluding location application 430, and programs 434. Programs 434 mayinclude computer executable instructions which, when executed by mobiledevice 400, transmit and receive WWW pages, e-mail, audio, video, andthe like. One or more programs 434 may be loaded into memory 448 and rununder control of operating system 420. Location application 430 performsthe methods described below. Examples of application programs includeradio tuner programs, phone programs, communication programs,productivity programs (word processing, spreadsheet, etc.), browserprograms, and the like. Mobile computing device 400 also includes ROM432. ROM 432 may be used to store data that should not be lost whenmobile device 400 loses power.

Mobile device 400 also comprises input/output interface 424 forcommunicating with external devices, such as a headset, or other inputor output devices not shown in FIG. 4. Data storage 436 is utilized bymobile device 400 to store, among other things, application programs,databases, and program data used by the mobile device broadcast deliveryapplication. For example, user databases, product databases, imagedatabases, and relational databases may be stored.

Keypad 458 may be any input device arranged to receive inputs from auser. For example, keypad 458 may include separate push buttons or akeyboard. Display 456 may be a liquid crystal display, or any other typeof display commonly used in mobile devices. Display 456 may also be atouch screen arranged to receive a users inputs. Infrared input/output460 may be used to send and receive infrared commands. GPS interface 462may be used in a manner consistent with determining positionalinformation from satellite communications and/or triangulation ofwireless communications.

Power supply 426 provides power to mobile device 400. According to oneembodiment, a rechargeable battery provides power. The power may be alsobe provided by an external power source, such as an AC adapter or apowered docking cradle that supplements or recharges the battery.

As shown, mobile device 400 includes light emitting diode (LED) display450, tuner(s) 452, and audio interface 454. LED display 450 may becontrolled to remain active for specific periods or events. For example,an LED display may stay on while the phone is powered or may light up invarious patterns. The patterns may be a predetermined or random pattern.Audio interface 454 is arranged to receive and provide audio signals.For example, audio interface 454 may be coupled to a speaker (not shown)to provide audio from a telephone call, tuner(s) 452, or from some otheraudio source. Audio interface 454 may also be coupled to an inputdevice, such as a microphone, to receive audio input. Tuner(s) 452 maybe any tuner to receive a broadcast. For example, tuner(s) 452 may be anAM tuner, an FM tuner, an AM/FM tuner, an Internet radio tuner, atelevision tuner, and the like.

In various embodiments, the mobile device may be a selected one of awireless mobile phone, a pager, a personal digital assistant (PDA), apalm-sized computing device, a laptop computer, a portable radio, aportable MPx player, and a portable CD/DVD player.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram generally illustrating an overviewof system 500 for providing presence information with mobile device 502and receiving aggregated presence information from server computer 506.In this implementation, server computer 506 is a stationary computingdevice such as the one described above in conjunction with FIG. 3, andmobile device 502 is a mobile computing device such as the one describedabove in conjunction with FIG. 4. Mobile device 504 is in communicationwith several different wireless sources of information and content,including, but not limited to, radio 514, television 512, data 510 andGPS satellite 516.

Presence application 504 is located on mobile device 502 for determiningthe user's presence information for that particular mobile device andproviding this information to presence application 508 located on servercomputer 506. The user's presence information may include anycombination of physical, virtual and ordinal location information. Theuser's presence information can be provided to presence application 508for aggregation in real time or at intervals. Also, each user can opt into, or out of, employing presence application 504 to display in realtime, or at intervals, at least a portion of the aggregated presenceinformation provided by presence application 508. Additionally, presenceapplication 508 and/or presence application 504 can provide statisticsfor analyzing aggregated presence information over time.

Although not shown, multiple users with presence applications on mobiledevices are also in communication with the server computer's presenceapplication, and these multiple mobile devices provide their particularuser's presence information. Furthermore, in one embodiment, aclient-server architecture can be used where each presence applicationlocated on a mobile device is a client of a presence application serverlocated on a server computer. In another embodiment, a peer-to-peerarchitecture is employed where each presence application located eitheron a mobile device and/or on a stationary computing device determinesand aggregates user presence information for multiple users.Additionally, aggregated presence information and presence informationmay be communicated between the mobile devices and the server by the SMSprotocol or some other suitable messaging protocol.

FIG. 6 illustrates an overview of an exemplary graphical user interface600 for displaying at least a portion of aggregated presence informationfor multiple users of the invention. A first column of display 602includes a listing of locations (presences) where at least one user islocated. A second column of display 602 shows the number of users thatare currently positioned at the location identified in the first column.The display can be updated at intervals or in real time. Although notshown, the display could be positioned in a portion of a larger displaythat is employed to provide content to a user, including video andstreamed content.

The selection of statistics element 606 will cause user interface 600 todisplay another screen with statistics relating to the aggregatedpresence of multiple users at difference locations (not shown). Forexample, the average number of users that are in school during the day,browse a web site, or listen to a particular song on a radio station.

The selection of everyone element 608 causes user interface 600 todisplay aggregated presence information for every user. Similarly, theselection of PALS element 604 causes the display of aggregated presenceinformation for each user identified in a PAL list.

The PAL list may include one or more entries for friends, associatesand/or acquaintances of the user. This list is similar to a buddy listthat may be part of instant messaging systems operating over theInternet.

FIG. 7 illustrates a functional block diagram for an exemplary clientpresence module 712, which is operative to function as a client in aclient-server architecture and where clients are on mobile devices and aserver is remotely located for processing of aggregated presenceinformation.

Client presence module 712 is in communication with several othermodules that provide different types of location information, which intotal are employed to determine the presence of a user of the mobiledevice. Manual location module 702 enables manual entry through a userinterface of a location for a user. The user may enter any informationdesired to specify his or her location. The information may be selectedfrom a list of predetermined favorite locations or expressly entered atthe mobile device.

Physical location module 704 enables coordinates identifying thephysical location of the user's mobile device to be provided. Forexample, GPS, Assisted GPS and/or triangulation of wireless signals maybe analyzed by physical location module 704 to determine the physicallocation or presence of the user's mobile device.

Ordinal location module 706 enables the ordered location/presence of auser to be determined. For example, the ordinal presence may includestreamed visual content, streamed audio content and broadcast contentfrom a radio station and a television channel. Virtual location module708 enables the virtual location/presence of a user to be determined.For example, a position in a multimedia presentation ormulti-dimensional virtual environment such as, but not limited to, avideo game or chat room. Additionally, other source module 706 enablesthe presence of a mobile device user to be determined, e.g., a messagefrom another user of a mobile device that identifies the currentlocation of the mobile device user.

FIG. 8 illustrates a functional block diagram for exemplary serveraggregated presence processing module 808, which is operative tofunction as a server in a client-server architecture, where clients areon mobile devices and the server is remotely located for processing ofaggregated presence information. Client presence processing module 804is employed to receive presence information from each client andcommunicate aggregated presence information to each client.

Pal list processing module 806 is employed to provide aggregatedpresence information to at least one client in a Pal list. Statisticsprocessing module 802 is employed to determine various statisticsrelating to aggregated presence information. Server aggregated presenceprocessing module 808 is employed to determine aggregated presenceinformation from the information provided by each client.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for a process 900 for determining anddisplaying aggregated presence information for multiple mobile deviceusers. Moving from a start block, the process advances to block 902where user presences are obtained from each mobile device employing theinvention. Flowing to block 904, the user presences are aggregatedtogether and aggregated presence information is generated. At decisionblock 906, a determination is made as to whether a display of aggregatedpresences is selected. If no, the process loops back to block 902 wheresubstantially the same actions discussed above are performed.

However, if the determination at decision block 906 is affirmative, theprocess advances to block 908 where a determination is made as towhether a Pal list is selected for display. It is envisioned that anyone of several Pal lists could be selected. If true, the processadvances to block 912 where aggregated presences for a selected Pal listare displayed. Next, the process loops back to block 902 and continuesperforming substantially the same actions as discussed above.

Alternatively, when the determination at decision block 908 is false,the process advances to block 910 where the aggregated presence of everyuser is displayed. Next, the process loops back to block 902 andcontinues performing substantially the same actions as discussed above.

Additionally, it is envisioned that the displayed aggregated presenceinformation may be provided in real time or represent informationcollected over time.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart for a process 1000 for determining anddisplaying aggregated presence information for multiple mobile deviceusers. Moving from a start block, the process advances to block 1002where user presences are obtained from each mobile device employing theinvention. Flowing to block 1004, the user presences are aggregatedtogether and statistical information for aggregated presence informationis generated. At decision block 1006, a determination is made as towhether a display of statistics is selected. If no, the process loopsback to block 1002 where substantially the same actions discussed aboveare performed.

However, if the determination at decision block 1006 is affirmative, theprocess advances to block 1008 where a determination is made as towhether a Pal list is selected for display. It is envisioned that anyone of several Pal lists could be selected. If true, the processadvances to block 1012 where statistics for a selected Pal list aredisplayed. Next, the process loops back to block 1002 and continuesperforming substantially the same actions as discussed above.

Alternatively, when the determination at decision block 1008 is false,the process advances to block 1010 where the aggregated presence ofevery user is displayed. Next, the process loops back to block 1002 andcontinues performing substantially the same actions as discussed above.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A method, comprising: (a) determining location information for eachof a plurality of subscriber mobile devices, the location informationincluding an ordinal location for at least one of the plurality ofsubscriber mobile devices; (b) aggregating the determined locationinformation; and (c) displaying, on a subscriber mobile device, aselective summated display of the aggregated location informationcorresponding to a particular ordinal location, the selective summateddisplay including the ordinal location of the at least one of theplurality of subscriber mobile devices, the ordinal location comprisinga location within a user interface display different from the selectivesummated display or a position within a streamed and/or broadcastcontent.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the selective summateddisplay includes a selective display of a summated statistic related tothe aggregated location information corresponding to a particularvirtual location.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the selectivesummated display includes a selective display of members of a pal listwho are subscribers of wireless service and whose mobile devices aredetermined to be present at a particular ordinal location.
 4. The methodof claim 1, wherein the aggregated location information includes virtuallocations for a subset of the plurality of subscriber mobile devicesincluding a virtual location for a second one of the plurality ofsubscriber mobile devices, and wherein the displaying further comprisesdisplaying the virtual location for the second one of the plurality ofsubscriber mobile devices, the virtual location comprising a currentpage being browsed by the second one of the plurality of subscribermobile devices, a current position within a multi-dimensional virtualenvironment, or a current position within an interactive multimediapresentation.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising enabling atleast a portion of the aggregated location information in a summatedmanner on a stationary computing device.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the displaying comprises displaying at least a portion of theaggregated location information in a summated manner in real time. 7.The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a manually enteredlocation of a subscriber mobile device.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein the subscriber mobile devices are subscriber mobile devices of awireless service, and wherein the physical location for at least one ofthe plurality of subscriber mobile devices is within a service area ofthe wireless service.
 9. A server, comprising: (a) a memory for storinglogical instructions; (b) a network interface unit for sending andreceiving data and (c) a processor coupled to the memory and the networkinterface for executing the logical instructions stored in the memory,the execution of the logical instructions causing actions to beperformed, including: (i) receiving data related to location informationof a plurality of subscriber clients, the location information includingan ordinal location for each of the plurality, the ordinal locationcomprising a position within a streamed and/or broadcast content, (ii)aggregating the received location information for a plurality oflocations, including the ordinal locations for each of the plurality;and (iii) enabling at least a portion of the aggregated locationinformation of the plurality of locations to be displayed by arequesting subscriber client, including the ordinal location of each ofthe plurality of subscriber clients.
 10. The server of claim 9, whereinthe server comprises a stationary computing device.
 11. The server ofclaim 9, wherein the location information further comprises at least onelocation type selected from the group consisting of a physical, avirtual, and a manual location type.
 12. A mobile device, comprising:(a) a memory for storing logical instructions; (b) a wireless interfaceunit for sending and receiving data; and (c) a processor coupled to thememory and the wireless interface unit for executing the logicalinstructions stored in the memory, the execution of the logicalinstructions causing actions to be performed, including: (i) receivingaggregated location information of a plurality of subscriber mobiledevices, the location information including a physical location for atleast one of the plurality; and (ii) enabling at a selective summateddisplay of the aggregated location information corresponding to aparticular physical location to be displayed on the mobile device,including the physical location for the at least one of the plurality,and an ordinal location of at least another one of the plurality, theordinal location comprising a location within a user interface displaydifferent from the selective summated display or a position within astreamed and/or broadcast content.
 13. The mobile device of claim 12,wherein the actions caused to be performed further comprise enablingplaying of at least one selected from a group consisting of a radiobroadcast, television broadcast and streamed content.
 14. The mobiledevice of claim 12, wherein the actions caused to be performed furthercomprise enabling a web page to be browsed.
 15. The mobile device ofclaim 12, wherein the aggregated location information includes at leastone location type selected from the group consisting of a virtuallocation type, an ordinal location type, and a manual location type. 16.The mobile device of claim 12, wherein the selective summated displaycomprises members of a pal list corresponding to a subset of theplurality of subscriber mobile devices wherein the received aggregatedlocation information includes a location of at least one of the members.17. The mobile device of claim 12, further comprising enabling at leasta portion of the aggregated location information in a summated manner inreal time.
 18. The mobile device of claim 12, wherein the mobile deviceis a selected one from the group consisting of a wireless mobile phone,a pager, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a palm-sized computingdevice, a laptop computer, a portable radio, a portable MPx player, anda portable CD/DVD player.
 19. The mobile device of claim 12, wherein theactions caused to be performed further comprise determining a currentlocation of the subscriber mobile device, and reporting the determinedcurrent location of the subscriber mobile device.
 20. An apparatus,comprising: (a) means for determining location information for aplurality of subscriber mobile devices including a physical location forat least one of the plurality, (b) means for aggregating locationinformation of the mobile devices and (c) means for enabling a selectivesummated display of the aggregated location information corresponding toa particular physical location to be displayed on at least one of theplurality of subscriber mobile devices, the selective summated displayincluding a display of the physical location for at least the one of theplurality, and an ordinal location of another one of the pluralityincluding a location within a user interface display different from theselective summated display or a position within a streamed and/orbroadcast content.
 21. A method comprising: (a) determining locationinformation for each of a plurality of subscriber mobile devices, thelocation information including a physical location for at least one ofthe plurality of subscriber mobile devices, (b) aggregating thedetermined location information; (c) displaying a selective summateddisplay of the aggregated location information corresponding to aparticular physical location on a subscriber mobile device, theselective summated display including the physical location of the atleast one of the plurality of subscriber mobile devices wherein theaggregated location information includes ordinal locations for a subsetof the plurality of subscriber mobile devices including an ordinallocation for a second one of the plurality of subscriber mobile devicesand wherein the displaying comprises displaying the ordinal location forthe second one of the plurality of subscriber mobile devices, theordinal location comprising a location within a user interface displayor a position within a streamed and/or broadcast content.